Skip to main content
Population Review

Chautauqua County, New York Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 23rd-largest in New York

The population of Chautauqua County, New York is 126,329 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 23rd-largest county in New York. The median household income is $56,507, the median home value is $119,300, and the median age is 42.7.

The population of Chautauqua County has declined 7.9% since 2010 (134,726 → 124,105), a -0.58% annualized rate.

Chautauqua County within New York · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

126,329

Population

-0.58%

Annual growth

119

People / sq mi

$56,507

Median Income

$119,300

Median Home Value

Chautauqua County covers 1,060 sq mi of land at 119.1 people per square mile.

About Chautauqua County, NY

In Chautauqua County, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $119,300. Chautauqua County is a county in New York with a population of 126,329. It ranks #23 among counties in New York by population.

The typical household here earns about $56,507, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 10.7%, below the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $119,300, with typical rent around $797.

25.1% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Around 7.0% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.

Chautauqua County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Chautauqua County had a population of 134,726 in 2010 and 124,105 in 2024, a -7.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 134,726 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.58%.

2010 · 135K20102024
Chautauqua County population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

124,105

Population (2024)

134,726

Population (2010)

134,726

Peak (2010)

-0.58%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
2010134,726
2011134,227
2012133,333
2013132,884
2014131,792
2015130,582
2016129,310
2017128,424
2018127,516
2019126,636
2020127,370
2021126,192
2022125,310
2023124,742
2024124,105

Race & Ethnicity

White87.3%
Black or African American2.7%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.2%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

42.7

Median Age

50.4%

Female

49.6%

Male

21.0%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
5.3%
5–9
5.9%
10–14
5.8%
15–19
6.7%
20–24
6.2%
25–34
11.2%
35–44
11.2%
45–54
11.8%
55–59
7.1%
60–64
7.7%
65–74
12.5%
75–84
5.8%
85+
2.7%

Children (under 15): 17.0% · Seniors (65+): 21.0%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$56,507$-28,071 vs state
Mean household income$74,065
Per-capita income$31,951
Poverty rate10.7%+0.9% vs state
Unemployment rate3.1%
Employment-to-population52.5%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
29.3%
Manufacturing
15.6%
Education & health care
9.0%
Finance & real estate
6.8%
Public administration
5.8%
Construction
5.4%
Arts, entertainment & food
5.0%
Retail trade
4.2%

The largest employment sector in Chautauqua County is professional & business services, accounting for 29.3% of workers.

How residents commute

0.5%

Drive alone

3.9%

Carpool

76.5%

Public transit

7.0%

Work from home

19.3 min

Avg commute

Housing

$119,300$-283,700 vs state

Median home value

$797

Median rent

69.1%

Homeownership rate

66,328

Total housing units

80.8%

Occupied

19.2%

Vacant

30.9%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

94.6%

With health insurance

90.9%

With broadband internet

19.8%

Foreign-born

7.6%

Veterans (18+)

17.8%

With a disability

91.0%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

90.0%

High School+

25.1%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in New York

Other counties in New York

Part of New York

Metro areas in New York

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Chautauqua County, New York has a population of 126,329 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 23rd-largest county in New York. Population density is 119 people per square mile.

The population of Chautauqua County has declined 7.9% since 2010 (134,726 → 124,105), a -0.58% annualized rate.

The median household income in Chautauqua County, New York is $56,507, with mean (average) household income of $74,065 and per-capita income of $31,951. 10.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Chautauqua County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (87.3%), Black or African American (2.7%), Hispanic or Latino (1.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Chautauqua County, New York is 42.7 years. Residents are 50.4% female and 49.6% male.

The median home value in Chautauqua County is $119,300 and median monthly rent is $797. 69.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 66,328 total housing units, 19.2% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Chautauqua County, New York is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 29.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.1%.

New York is among the largest cities associated with Chautauqua County, New York, with a population of 8,516,202.


Chautauqua County, NY Climate

Chautauqua County, NY has an average annual temperature of 7.7°C (46°F) and receives about 1155 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.

7.7°C

Avg Temp

1155

Precip (mm/yr)

Jul

Hottest Month

Jan

Coldest Month

-15°-5°5°15°25°122mmJFMAMJJASOND
Avg temp (°C) Precipitation (mm)
Chautauqua County, NY — monthly temperature & precipitation (1970–2000 normals) · Source: WorldClim 2.1
MonthAvg (°C/°F)Precip
January-5° / 22°71 mm
February-5° / 24°63 mm
March0° / 32°77 mm
April7° / 44°88 mm
May13° / 55°93 mm
June18° / 64°110 mm
July20° / 68°104 mm
August19° / 67°109 mm
September15° / 59°122 mm
October9° / 49°107 mm
November4° / 38°115 mm
December-2° / 28°96 mm

1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.

Best time to visit Chautauqua County, NY

The most comfortable months to visit Chautauqua County, NY are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 26°C high). The coldest is January (near -9°C low). September is usually the wettest month.

JulyAugustJune

Where to stay near Chautauqua County

Visiting or relocating to Chautauqua County, NY? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.

Top-rated places to stay near Chautauqua County

Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.

Planning a move to Chautauqua County?

Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Chautauqua County, NY by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.